In case you haven’t heard my husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease for the second time in twenty years. So far he is fine, and we take it one day at a time. At 82 and 83 we are fortunate to have each other. We are blessed with family around us and four great grandchildren, ages 4,3,2,and 1.
As you know that can keep us busy, and we love it, even though we tire easily.

I am still learning how to write, and still have my writing group in the Senior Community where we live. I also am a part of the book club, Meditation, and Maj Jongg groups. That keep my mind active and busy. Better than three doctor appointments in one week, which is also something that happens once in a while.

Howard is starting a new drug trial for Alzheimer’s Disease on March 11th. According to our instructions we will have to be there that day for seven hours. Will keep you updated on how that works out. I’m hoping if I bring my Ipad, I will have some time to read and or write. Or maybe not, the people at the drug trial might have other things in mind for both of us. Does anyone have an opinion on drug trials?

Our book club will work a little differently, since we will be reading our own choices of books, and then bringing in a significant synopsis of said book. We are meeting once a month, which gives everyone plenty of time to read the book of their choice. The reason we did this is because we are a diverse group with different ideas of which book to read. I also think this works since we won’t have to go to the library and have them order the amount of books we need, and then to go back to the library and bring back the books. It also introduces us to new books that we probably would never think of reading. Do you think this is a good idea?

I am taking a journey back to writing. Once you stop, it’s hard to start again. But, this time I have a goal; to finish
a book, and to work on my Memoirs. I am hoping to start a writing group within the community I live, so that we all can work on our goals together.

Another goal is to do an e book, or several. One is a book of 500 prompts. No more facing a blank page, each prompt sets up an idea or image to dive right in and start a story..

Some examples of First Lines are:
1. Did someone knock you out, or did your brains just fall out by themselves?
2. The pain is relentless and screaming for mercy.
3. The river flows as endlessly as my words.
4. Sure, I have choices, but no one gave me permission.
5.Questions opened scabs.

Just examples of using First Lines in your writing.

We have moved again, closer still to family. Love the new apartment, and the new senior community. Looking forward to things to come.

Three great grandchildren, and one on the way. I am so grateful. We should all find something to be grateful for every day.

As I said in my book, Behind The Mask, keep love and kisses in your life.
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I have been working on several projects. Clearing out clutter from my office. Again. This time, however, I separated all my writing and put them into notebooks. The Memoirs are now separate from my short stories, which are separate from my ramblings.

I have this bad habit of writing something, putting it away, and not rereading or editing it and most times putting it into the wrong folders.

Now I am attempting to straighten all that out.

What will I do with them? I don’t know. But this year, I am dedicated to working on my writing. Who knows, maybe there is another book coming.

I have struggled with the answer to that question for years. For years I argued yes, keep them forever. And when I moved, I moved 15 years and many boxes of journals with me.

Why? For remembrance? For my kids and grandkids to spend hours, or years to read them all, or just take the time to throw them away.

At almost 79, I have decided I have the right to keep the writing or throw it all out. In my case, I decided it was time to get rid of them. I spent hours and hours tearing all those pages up. Was it worth it, I think so. They would only have to do that after I was gone anyway, so I saved them the trouble.

Instead I decided it was time to write my memoirs. I have started them two or three times already, but never got to get any of it done. Oh yes, there are half pages written, or notes on subjects I want to write about, little stories of my life that are worth sharing, so I have to start over and just write it. Now is the time.

I have led a life There are stories worth telling. Better than reading some old journals that might have pages that would hurt someone’s feelings, or that are just so boring with the everyday mundane events of my life on that day.

My life wasn’t boring and that is what I hope writing my memoirs will bring to life. I might even share one or two of my stories with all of you.